Residents urged to be on alert for wildlife
Posted on 9 September 2009
Householders in the Marfleet area of the city will play a crucial role in a survey of the frogs, toads, newts and hedgehogs which increasingly find refuge in gardens and urban green spaces.
Understanding how wildlife uses these green spaces is vital in helping us to formulate conservation measures
Sal Hobbs
Slime and Spine 2009 is part of the national OPAL (Open Air Laboratories) project which aims to encourage people to explore their local environment.
Open Air Laboratories is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and led in Yorkshire and the Humber by a team of scientists based in the Environment Department and the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York.
Residents in Marfleet will receive a postcard through their door in the week beginning 14 September asking them to report any sightings of hedgehogs, frogs and toads in their gardens, or any local parks.
Researcher Sal Hobbs said: “In Britain, much of our wildlife is under threat, principally through loss of natural habitat. As our towns grow, some species find refuge in gardens and urban green spaces, particularly animals such as frogs and hedgehogs. But we know relatively little about how they are using these habitats and what features are important to them.
“We are starting with a garden study in Marfleet and asking residents to report sightings of frogs, toads, newts and hedgehogs in their gardens. But we are interested in information from across the city, so everyone can join in. Understanding how wildlife uses these green spaces is vital in helping us to formulate conservation measures.”
Anyone in Hull can take part in the Slime and Spine survey, by going to the website www.sei.se/opal
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) received an £11.75m grant from the Big Lottery Fund in August 2007. It aims to create a new generation of nature-lovers by getting people to engage with the natural world around them. To find out more visit www.OPALexplorenature.org
- The Environment Department at the University of York was founded in 1992, initially to integrate ecological and environmental sciences with environmental economics. The aim was to improve understanding of environmental problems, and how to solve them, through the consideration of both the human dimension and the underpinning science. Its objective is to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems that are consistent with human aspirations and with global, regional and local institutions and markets.
- More information on the Stockholm Environment Institute at York at www.sei.se
- The Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme was launched in November 2005 to help communities enjoy and improve their local environments. The programme funds a range of activities from local food schemes and farmers markets, to education projects teaching people about the environment. Imperial College London (the leading OPAL partner) was awarded a £11,760,783 Changing Spaces grant in August 2007
- The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004. It was established by Parliament on 1 December 2006. Full details of the work of the Big Lottery Fund, its programmes and awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
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Interview
Listen to Sarah West and Sal Hobbs talk about the garden survey.